Yes, selling homemade food in China is legally permissible under strict conditions. Local regulations permit home-based food businesses if operators register with local market supervision authorities, adhere to hygiene standards, and avoid high-risk categories like dairy or meat products. The 2026 draft amendments to the Food Safety Law tighten oversight, requiring mandatory food safety training for operators and traceability systems for ingredients.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in China
- Registration Requirements: Operators must register with local Market Supervision and Administration Bureaus (市场监督管理局) under the “Small-Scale Food Production and Operation” (小规模食品生产经营) category. Registration includes premises inspection and hygiene certification.
- Ingredient Restrictions: Only low-risk foods (e.g., baked goods, dried fruits, preserved vegetables) are permitted. High-risk items (e.g., meat, seafood, dairy) require commercial-scale processing facilities and provincial-level approval.
- Labeling and Traceability: Mandatory labeling includes business name, address, ingredient lists, and allergen warnings. The 2026 amendments enforce digital traceability for all ingredients, linking sales to procurement records for audits.